Hichilema urges Least Developed Countries to embrace innovation, local solutions to tackle climate challenges, others

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to adopt locally tailored solutions and foster innovation to address climate change and shifting geopolitical demands.

He said such an approach would help LDCs mitigate the impact of unpredictable weather patterns and other economic shocks.

Hichilema made the remarks on Tuesday in Lusaka during the official opening of the 3rd LDC Future Forum at Intercontinental Hotel. The forum, themed “Enhancing Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Strengthening Least Developed Countries’ Resilience Against Systemic Shocks,” brought together over 250 delegates from 53 countries.

“It is our great honor to officiate at the Third Least Developed Countries Future Forum this morning in Lusaka,” he said.

He urged delegates to take ownership of their development, moving away from reliance on external solutions.

Hichilema also thanked the forum’s organizers and encouraged delegates to experience Zambia’s hospitality by visiting its iconic tourist attractions.

The 2025 LDC Future Forum focuses on innovative strategies to accelerate the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPOA) and advance progress toward the Global Goals.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema underscored the need for deeper cooperation between Zambia and Finland to facilitate Finnish investment in the country.

“There is a need for practical and enhanced steps to strengthen our relations and achieve tangible results,” he said.

He made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio after the forum’s opening.

Hichilema emphasized the importance of irrigation support and called for targeted engagements that lead to investment projects and technology transfer between the two nations.

In response, Tavio said Finland was committed to supporting Zambia’s economic growth by facilitating industrialization and technology transfer.

Meanwhile, Zambia has called on Least Developed Countries to prioritise the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) to achieve sustainable development goals.

Etambuyu Gundersen, the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized the need for LDCs to integrate the DPoA into their national development plans during her welcome address at the LDC Future Forum Focal Point workshop.

The workshop, held ahead of the 3rd LDC Future Forum, which kicks off today, April 1, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, provided a key platform for countries to exchange experiences and assess progress.

“I wish to encourage you Focal Points present during this workshop to share the knowledge and insights gained, maximizing the impact of investments being made by the United Nations in this process,” Gundersen said.

She also underscored the importance of establishing robust monitoring frameworks to ensure that the intended outcomes of the DPoA are achieved.

Gundersen acknowledged the crucial role of the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) in supporting the Network of LDC Focal Points and maintaining momentum for the program’s implementation.

Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Eva Chanda further highlighted the significance of the workshop, noting that it emphasizes collective action, shared responsibility, and strategic implementation to drive sustainable development in the world’s most vulnerable economies.

“The LDC Future Forum remains a crucial platform for fostering dialogue, innovation, and progress toward achieving the global development agenda,” Chanda said.

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